5 test positive for swine flu

Five more people tested positive for swine flu on Tuesday, taking the total number of H1N1 cases in June to 84.

Five more people tested positive for swine flu on Tuesday, taking the total number of H1N1 cases in June to 84.

While two of the patients have been quarantined at home, two others have been admitted to public hospitals and one has been admitted to a private hospital, said BMC officials.

The BMC will send an advisory to all city schools about tackling swine flu on Wednesday. “The two-point advisory is meant for parents and schools. Parents have been advised to not send their children to school if they are unwell,” said Manisha Mhaiskar, additional municipal commissioner (health).

“Teachers should be alert and watch out for any flu-like symptoms in students. Any child showing these symptoms should be asked to stay at home for about seven days and get medical help.

Teachers must also identify close contacts of such a child in school and have them checked for flu symptoms as well,” said Dr G. T. Ambe, executive health officer of the BMC. Schools shouldn’t have to remain closed, he added.

Experts have predicted a rise in swine flu cases in the coming months, as monsoon is favourable for virus transmission.

But Dr Pradeep Awate from the state influenza control cell said there is no cause for concern.

“Around 35 to 45 per cent of us have developed complete or partial immunity to the virus. And, we are better prepared this time. More than 100 hospitals in the state are treating swine flu and we have adequate stock of Tamiflu,” he said.

More than 200 cases of fever, 77 cases of malaria, two cases of leptospirosis and one case of dengue were recorded between Monday and Tuesday morning.